Breastfeeding during Ramadan

Wednesday, June 8th, 2016

One of the questions I keep being asked a lot is whether nursing mothers can fast during Ramadan without affecting their babies’ health.
Well, several issues need to be addressed in this case.

First of all, the body
is able to adapt well to changes in diet habits and can maintain adequate
amounts of breast milk while fasting, as long as the mother is not severely
dehydrated. There was one study in 2006 that showed that levels of magnesium,
zinc, and potassium decreased in the breast milk of fasting mothers during
Ramadan, which highlights the importance of maintaining a balanced diet in
fasting mothers. In other words, nursing mothers should make sure to eat and
drink well between dusk and dawn before the fasting period starts, so that they
maintain an adequate level of hydration and replenish their nutrients.

The
second important note is that mothers should be aware and observe both their
own symptoms and their babies’ symptoms to decide whether fasting is affecting
them negatively. Symptoms of severe dehydration include headache, dizziness,
dry mouth and lips, and dark-colored urine. This severe dehydration would be
reflected in decreased amounts of milk, which will reflect in decreased
nutrition to the baby.

The baby in this case would have less wet diapers, cries
more and asks for more feeds, and might ultimately lose weight on the long run.
In this case, nursing mothers would better break their fast and seek medical
attention. Remember also that different bodies react to stress differently:
some mothers might find it easier to fast and maintain adequate nutrition for
themselves and their babies, while others might find it more difficult.

Therefore, my advice if you are planning to fast is to eat and drink well
during the non-fasting hours, maintain a good nutrition, and observe your
symptoms and those of your babies. In case of doubt, dehydration, or severe
symptoms, break your fast, especially with lots of fluids, and make it up
later.